Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

VPNBook VS OpenVPN

Compare VPNBook VS OpenVPN and see what are their differences

VPNBook logo VPNBook

VPNBook is one of the leading VPN service providers over the internet that is offering most of the VPN services for free like the premium VPN services.

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN
  • VPNBook Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-13
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19

VPNBook features and specs

  • Cost
    VPNBook is completely free, which makes it an attractive option for users looking to browse securely without committing to a paid service.
  • No Registration Required
    Users can access VPNBook's services without signing up or providing personal information, which enhances user privacy and convenience.
  • Multiple Servers Available
    VPNBook offers multiple server locations, including Canada, US, and Europe, providing users with options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
  • P2P Support
    VPNBook allows P2P traffic on certain servers, which can be beneficial for users interested in using torrents while maintaining their privacy.

Possible disadvantages of VPNBook

  • Limited Features
    As a free service, VPNBook lacks advanced features offered by premium VPN services, such as dedicated apps or extensive server networks.
  • Bandwidth Limitations
    There might be bandwidth restrictions that can limit the speed and efficiency of your internet connection when using VPNBook.
  • Ad-Supported Model
    VPNBook is funded by ads, which can lead to an inconsistent user experience compared to ad-free services.
  • No Dedicated App
    VPNBook does not offer a custom app, requiring users to manually configure the VPN settings, which can be technical and cumbersome for some.
  • Potential Logging Concerns
    Being a free VPN, there may be concerns regarding data logging practices, as VPNBook may not have the stringent no-logs policy seen in some paid services.

OpenVPN features and specs

  • Security
    OpenVPN uses robust encryption standards like AES-256, providing a high level of security for data transmission.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, OpenVPN allows users to verify its code for vulnerabilities, ensuring transparency and reliability.
  • Flexibility
    OpenVPN can run on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, offering extensive compatibility.
  • Customizability
    Users can configure OpenVPN according to their specific needs, allowing advanced network setups and policies.
  • Performance
    OpenVPN offers strong performance with efficient handling of large data transmissions and support for high and stable speeds.
  • Community Support
    A large and active community provides ample resources, including tutorials, forums, and user support.
  • Cost
    As a free and open-source solution, OpenVPN significantly reduces the cost compared to many commercial VPN offerings.

Possible disadvantages of OpenVPN

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up OpenVPN can be complex and may require technical expertise, particularly for advanced configurations.
  • Resource Intensive
    OpenVPN can be resource-intensive compared to some other VPN protocols, potentially impacting the performance of older or lower-spec hardware.
  • Client Software
    The official OpenVPN client software has a less user-friendly interface compared to some commercial VPNs, possibly deterring less tech-savvy users.
  • Mobile Experience
    Although OpenVPN supports mobile devices, the user experience on mobile can be less streamlined compared to desktop environments.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    New users may find the initial learning curve steep due to the multitude of configuration options and the need for understanding networking concepts.
  • Support
    While community support is strong, there may not be as much immediate or personalized support as found with some commercial VPN services.

Analysis of VPNBook

Overall verdict

  • While VPNBook provides free VPN services, it has limitations compared to premium VPN providers. Concerns include limited server locations, potential logging of user data, and slower connection speeds due to high user volume. Therefore, it may not be ideal for users needing reliable and fast VPN services for activities like HD streaming or large downloads.

Why this product is good

  • VPNBook is a free VPN service, which can be appealing to users who want to access geo-restricted content or enhance their online privacy without incurring additional costs. It offers OpenVPN and PPTP connections, transparent privacy policies, and does not require account registration.

Recommended for

    VPNBook is suitable for casual users who need a basic VPN for occasional use, such as accessing restricted websites or adding a layer of privacy when on public Wi-Fi. Users who prioritize performance, advanced features, and enhanced privacy might want to consider paid VPN services instead.

Analysis of OpenVPN

Overall verdict

  • OpenVPN is generally regarded as a good option for both personal and enterprise-level VPN needs. Its strong encryption, adaptability, and community support make it a preferred choice for those who need secure and reliable virtual private network services.

Why this product is good

  • OpenVPN is considered a reliable and secure VPN solution due to its strong encryption standards, open-source nature, and flexibility. It supports a variety of operating systems and devices, and can be configured to meet different security requirements. Its open-source nature allows the community to inspect, modify, and enhance the code, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement. Additionally, it offers robust support for different authentication methods and network configurations.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking enhanced online privacy and security.
  • Businesses looking for a scalable and secure VPN solution.
  • IT professionals who require customizable and flexible VPN configurations.
  • Users who prefer open-source software with an active development community.

VPNBook videos

How To Set Up VPNBook FREE VPN on Windows 10

OpenVPN videos

OpenVPN Overview

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to setup OpenVPN on Windows | macOS | Android | iOS - Smart DNS Proxy

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to VPNBook and OpenVPN)
VPN
9 9%
91% 91
Security & Privacy
8 8%
92% 92
Security
24 24%
76% 76
Cloud VPN
5 5%
95% 95

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare VPNBook and OpenVPN

VPNBook Reviews

Top 31 Free Web Proxy Servers for Anonymous Surfing Online
VPNBook highlights both VPN and proxy services. You cannot get enough of VPNBook's PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) that tunnels your data in an authenticated and encrypted way between WAN and LAN networks.
Source: freepctech.com
15 Best Vtunnel, Ktunnel & Dtunnel Alternatives In 2021
Next service on our list is very recommended web Dtunnel proxy VPNBOOK. Some of the drawbacks are minimal variety of proxy locations plus you need to deal with unpleasant advertisements as well. One of the functions I like about this service is that it supports HTTPS protocol.
8 Best Free Anonymous Proxy Servers
It's easy to change the website you want to browse for from within the VPNBook proxy by typing it in at the top of the page.

OpenVPN Reviews

The top 10 alternatives to OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source software application that provides virtual private network (VPN) services. It allows the creation of secure network connections over the internet, using a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. OpenVPN is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls, providing users with the ability to securely...
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
OpenVPN is a virtual private network system used to create trusted end-to-end connection configuration and remote access services. As with any other VPN service, OpenVPN also has its own drawbacks. For instance, its inability to bypass particular proxy servers and complexities in user journeys lead to less user-friendliness. Therefore, we will be discussing a few...
6 Types of VPN Protocols, Compared: Which is the Best to Use?
In most cases, OpenVPN or WireGuard will be your best bet. PPTP is a protocol we don’t recommend using because of its relatively low-level encryption. However, you could try this protocol when privacy and security are not your highest priorities, such as for unblocking streams. If OpenVPN is not supported or does not work well for whatever reason, you could consider using...
Source: vpnoverview.com
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Which protocol is best?
OpenVPN was first released in May 2001. Although the PPTP protocol had been around for five years already at this point, OpenVPN became popular because it offered stronger encryption without too much of a drop in speed. Over the years, vulnerabilities were patched and new clients were developed that brought OpenVPN support to a greater range of devices. This previously...
9 Best NordVPN Alternatives You Must Use In 2022
The next alternative to NordVPN on our list is OpenVPN. OpenVPN allows you to establish a point-to-point secure connection between your device and the Internet. It is a flexible VPN solution that can cater to business needs as well.
Source: wethegeek.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenVPN should be more popular than VPNBook. It has been mentiond 40 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

VPNBook mentions (6)

  • using vpn server in the same country
    Hi guys I used to download torrents without using a vpn but then I hear a lot of people saying that its illegal an stuff and that scared me until now I have been downloding for 6 months without any problem but still I need to be carefull who know when will my luck end so I started using a vpn server from vpnbook.com and I found a server from the same country I am in right now and I want to use it because its... Source: over 2 years ago
  • [discussion] is anyway to transfer files like photos and videos without PC? On iOS 6.1.6
    Https://vpnbook.com/ works, use PPTP. Go to settings>general>VPN and enter the information from the site. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Best torrent to direct link website?
    Try to connect via vpnbook, grab the server which has p2p enabled from their website vpnbook.com. In my college I had success with the udp53 config file. Source: over 3 years ago
  • VPN is not working on Kali
    I have created a VPN profile on Kali bare matel 21.2 by importing certificate file on vpnbook.com . When connecting to VPN it doesn't show the VPN connection successful message but it appears the lock icon and I have been looked up my ip , it's still the same. I need a solution. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Hearing Star Light Zone at the Olympics be like
    For now you could try simple VPN from vpnbook.com, but im gonna try to find something better. Source: almost 4 years ago
View more

OpenVPN mentions (40)

  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (October 2023)
    OpenVPN is hiring! https://openvpn.net/ C++ Developer in the United States. Full-time| Fully remote| Flexible work schedules Link to look at vacancy details and apply:. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Are there any work arounds for the Netflix new "household" system?
    How you connect to your modem will depend on the device you are using, but for windows laptops as an example you download the OpenVPN program and input your modem details there, much like you would any other vpn service. I think there would be some guides on youtube. https://openvpn.net/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can i use PFSense to control incoming user connections (without a vpn?)
    I just started playing with CloudConnexa for remotely managing my second pFSense. Really nice and is free for up to 3 concurrent users. https://openvpn.net. Can also self-host OpenVPN access server with a free 2 concurrent license. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is the 7spotlight Markle family interview airing now? Is anyone watching and can provide comment? 👀📺
    If anyone is being blocked check out free OpenVPN. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is it possible for a sysadmin to block only some packets from a VPN connection ?
    I too haven't used the client-nat directive in some years (I currently implement 1:1 NAT with pfsense to access my network because I'm too lazy to change the networks subnet from the default) so I decided to retest and it does appear that OpenVPN Connect clients do not properly support the client-nat directive but the traditional OpenVPN server/clients still do. I've just tested this on OpenVPN 2.6.3 Server,... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing VPNBook and OpenVPN, you can also consider the following products

Anonine - Anonine is listed among those free VPN services offering their VPN services at both personal and business levels.

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

AzireVPN - AzireVPN offers its VPN services without a great amount of reliability and flexibilities.

Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

AMUNE Private Internet - AMUNE Private Internet is an internet on-demand private internet offering services letting people search on the internet on their terms.

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.